This week, Adelaide is hosting the Australian swimming trials, welcoming renowned competitors, including Olympic and Paralympic gold medallists, world champions, and record holders. Running from Monday to Saturday, these trials will select participants for the Dolphins teams at the upcoming world championships in Singapore, scheduled for late July, and the world para-swimming championships in late September.
Each day consists of two sessions: heats in the morning and finals in the evening.
Key Races to Watch:
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Men’s 400m Freestyle Final (Monday Night)
A thrilling showdown awaits between Elijah Winnington, the 2022 world champion, and Sam Short, the 2023 titleholder. With Winnington having secured silver in the recent Paris Olympics and Short recovering from injuries, the race promises to be tightly contested, especially as both have clocked impressive personal bests. -
Women’s 100m Backstroke Final (Tuesday Night)
Kaylee McKeown aims to reclaim her world record from US swimmer Regan Smith. McKeown’s personal best stands at 57.33, while Smith’s recent record is an impressive 57.13. Mollie O’Callaghan, a freestyle champion yearning to showcase her backstroke skills, will also compete, aiming for a strong performance. -
Men’s 50m Freestyle Final (Wednesday Night)
Cameron McEvoy, an Olympic gold medallist, will be the centre of attention. His recent training changes have led to significant improvements, achieving gold at the 2023 world championships and consistently finishing under the 22-second mark. His personal best of 21.06 from Fukuoka raises expectations for an even faster time. -
Women’s 100m Freestyle Multi-Class Final (Thursday Night)
Watch out for Alexa Leary, who holds the world record in her category. Recently, she set new records at the Sydney Open, establishing herself as a formidable competitor. After becoming a Paralympic gold medallist in Paris, she is keen to defend her title and potentially break her own world record. - Women’s 100m Freestyle Final (Friday Night)
This final will see three key members of Australia’s victorious 4x100m freestyle relay from the Paris Olympics—Mollie O’Callaghan, Shayna Jack, and Meg Harris—competing against one another. O’Callaghan, who has dominated this event in recent championships, is the one to beat. Jack, aiming to qualify for Singapore after appearing on a reality show, along with young talents Olivia Wunsch and Milla Jansen, add to the exciting mix.
These trials not only set the stage for future international competitions but also highlight the fierce talent within Australian swimming as athletes vie for their spots in the Dolphin squads.